Games Lovers Play (12 page)

Kay looked at her in surprise. ‘What are you saying then?'

‘Go and have some fun. Make sure the man takes precautions, that's all.'

Kay started to laugh. ‘That's not what I expect my mother to say.'

Joan Thomas slowly sipped her tea. ‘I've been married to your father for forty-two years. He's the only man I've ever known, in the biblical sense.'

Kay wondered what on earth was coming.

‘I love him, you know I do, he's a dear, but sometimes I wonder just how it would have felt to be loved by someone else.'

‘Mother!' Frowning, she asked, ‘Are you sorry you married Dad?'

‘Good heavens, no! But if I had my time over, I'd certainly have had a bit of fun before I settled down.'

‘Good God, Mum, in your day you'd have been termed a loose woman.'

It was Joan's turn to laugh. ‘Maybe, but I would have lived instead of wondering. Since the war, the laws of morality have changed. Sadly, I was born too soon.'

Kay looked askance at her mother. ‘Just as well after what you've just been telling me. Don't you start putting ideas into Susan's head when she's here!'

‘As if I would! Anyway, by the time she grows up, it will have all changed again.'

The office party was being held at the Polygon Hotel. There was to be a reception, followed by dinner and dancing until midnight. Cocktail dresses and lounge suits were the order of the day. Kay had bought a brown chiffon dress with a swathed bodice, from a boutique in the town. It was fitted, low cut, with thin straps. She had looked at herself in the mirror of the dressing room in the shop and been thrilled at her reflection. Was it a bit too glamorous for an office do? Oh, what the hell, she thought – and paid the bill. Then she bought a pair of bronze evening shoes to wear with it and a light beige shawl, with a hint of gold sparkle, to wear around her shoulders.

On the night of the party, she stepped out of the taxi and entered the hotel, her heart beating wildly. This was her first proper outing since John had moved out, and she was distinctly nervous walking in alone. She entered the bar where the reception was held, pulling the shawl across her bosom, suddenly feeling somewhat naked.

Seeing two of her colleagues with whom she'd become very friendly at work, Kay walked over to them. At least with them she felt at ease. They were standing with two gentlemen who they introduced as their husbands, but somehow they seemed less than friendly, which puzzled Kay, until one of them placed an arm possessively through her husband's. Then it dawned on her. She was now single, and these women saw her as a threat. It was a ‘keep off the grass' sign, which Kay thought was insidious. She made her excuses and moved away.

The barman smiled and handed her a glass of champagne. Sitting on a bar stool, she gazed around the room, wishing she'd stayed at home. Taking out a cigarette she searched for her lighter. Beside her a gentleman lit his and held it out to her.

‘Thank you,' she said as she looked up into the bluest eyes she'd ever seen.

‘My pleasure.' The voice was low, cultured and mellifluous. The man was tall, well dressed in a navy suit, pale blue shirt and striped tie, with dark hair, slightly greying at the temples. She wondered who he was and what he was doing there. To her he was a complete stranger.

‘Edward Harrington,' he said, holding out his hand.

Shaking it, she replied, ‘Kay Baker.'

Glancing at her wedding ring he asked, ‘Are you waiting for your husband, Mrs Baker?'

Shaking her head she said, ‘No, Mr Harrington, I'm separated, waiting for a divorce, as it happens.'

‘Then this is my lucky night.' His smile was inviting, and Kay felt a frisson of excitement as she looked at him.

‘What brings you here tonight?' she enquired.

‘Duty,' he said somewhat ruefully. ‘I work for the department. To be honest I hate these affairs, however I have to make an appearance. And you?'

She explained where she worked. ‘I was persuaded to come along. I think it was a big mistake.'

He chuckled. ‘I saw you when you arrived and the way you were frozen out of that little group over there.' He nodded towards the foursome she'd approached earlier. ‘Mind you, I'm not surprised – you look incredible.'

She felt her cheeks flush.

He ordered them both another glass of champagne. ‘Now, Mrs Baker, how about we put aside our reluctance to be here and join forces? Together we could turn the whole thing around and enjoy ourselves. What do you say?'

Kay glanced across the room and saw her friends watching her with interest. ‘Why not? I think it could be great fun.'

‘Excellent!' He held up his glass. ‘To a good night, Mrs Baker!'

Holding her glass up for the toast she said, ‘In which case, call me Kay.'

‘Lovely name … I'm Edward.'

At that moment Kay's boss approached. ‘Good evening, Mr Harrington,' he said. ‘Would you like to join our table for dinner?'

His tone of deference surprised Kay. This man was usually overbearing and full of confidence.

‘That's very thoughtful of you, James, but Mrs Baker and I have other plans. But thank you for your kindness. Don't let us keep you from your friends.'

Thus dismissed, the man walked away. Edward summoned the barman and asked to see the head waiter. When he arrived, Edward asked him to save a table for two in the dining room when dinner was served.

‘Of course, sir. Is there anything else I can do for you?'

‘Yes, there is.' Edward asked for a bottle of champagne to be put on ice and placed on the table.'

Kay was amused by the whole procedure. ‘It would seem, Edward, that you are someone of importance, from the service you're getting here.'

He grinned at her. ‘My position does afford me some privileges, I suppose. I try not to abuse it, but it does come in handy at times, I must confess.'

‘Perhaps you should enlighten me before we dine?'

‘Absolutely not! It would spoil the mystery. Let's just enjoy each other's company.'

At that moment the announcement came that dinner was served.

It gave Kay a perverse pleasure to be led into the dining room on the arm of such a handsome man. She smiled at her two colleagues as she passed them, trying not to appear triumphant.

The evening was a great success. Her companion was a good conversationalist and amusing, and after a sumptuous meal they danced the evening away. Kay was enjoying every moment, until midnight, when it ended.

‘I feel a bit like Cinderella,' she said as they walked towards the reception. ‘I must get the concierge to book me a taxi.'

‘Nonsense! My driver will drop you off before he takes me home.' He led her outside towards a sleek car. The driver got out and held the door open.

‘Thank you, Jake. Now, Kay, where do you live?'

It was Christmas Eve. In the town, the inhabitants, collars turned up against the cold, were dashing about with last-minute shopping. Butchers were hoping to sell the last of the turkeys, Christmas trees were being loaded on to cars, and Connie and the staff at Tyrell and Greens were rushed off their feet. At the close of day, she and Betty made their weary way to the staff room where they exchanged gifts before making their way home.

‘What's Sam getting you, do you know?' Betty asked.

‘I have no idea. I've bought him a jumper and some aftershave. He's coming to Christmas dinner and on Boxing Day; we are going to his parents for lunch.'

‘Oh my! You've not met them yet, have you?'

‘No,' said Connie with a grimace. ‘I'm really nervous. They live in Poole, so we'll be driving there in the morning. There shouldn't be too much traffic on the road. Gosh, I hope they like me.'

Betty gave her a hug. ‘Stop worrying, you'll be fine. Happy Christmas, Connie.'

‘Same to you. See you in three days. Don't drink too much!'

On her way home, that Christmas Eve, Connie walked past all the shops with their brightly coloured windows, still full of festive gifts, knowing that immediately after the holiday the January sales would begin and life would be hectic in the preparation before – and then the sales themselves. But until then, she would enjoy the break. She only hoped that her grandmother would make the effort to be in a festive frame of mind.

She need not have worried. Her mother had been having the same thought, and on the previous evening, when she'd been gathering all the food needed over the holiday, she'd spoken to her mother-in-law.

‘Now, Connie's boyfriend is coming on Christmas Day, and I insist that you behave!'

‘What ever do you mean?' Madge was outraged.

‘You know damned well what I mean. I will not put up with your cantankerous ways, especially then. We don't want any doom and gloom. I want to be able to enjoy Christmas! After all, it's a lot of work for me.' She glared at Madge. ‘As you well know, I have to do it all by myself, because you never lift a finger to help.'

‘Well, really!'

Dorothy was feeling tired and had no patience left. ‘Mess up my Christmas and you'll be sent packing off to Eve's to stay, understand?'

‘Perfectly. I think you are being most unkind!'

Dorothy didn't even bother to answer, there was too much to do, but when her husband came home on Christmas Eve she spoke to him about Madge.

‘I want you to promise me you'll keep your mother in order on Christmas Day,' she said.

He looked a little surprised at her outburst.

‘You needn't look like that, you know what she's like, but Sam will be joining us, and if she misbehaves I'll never forgive her!'

George put an arm around his wife's shoulder and kissed her cheek. ‘Relax, love. I know she can be a pain, and I am so grateful to you for putting up with her, but I promised Dad.'

With a sigh she said, ‘I know, and you feel it's your duty, but sometimes I could throttle the old devil!'

He started laughing. ‘My father often felt the same!'

‘What a pity he didn't do so!' Then she turned to her husband. ‘I'm sorry, George, I didn't mean that, I'm just so tired and there's a lot to do.'

He gathered her into his arms. ‘I know. Now tell me what needs doing.'

‘There's the potatoes to peel, the vegetables to prepare, the turkey to be stuffed, mince pies to be made and—'

He stopped her. ‘Right, give me the potatoes and veg, a large saucepan and bowl for the peelings … and a knife.'

She did as she was asked and was very surprised when her husband took them to the table, put them down and spoke to his mother.

‘Here, Mum. Peel this lot ready for tomorrow. Dorothy has far too much to do on her own, and we all have to do our bit.'

Madge looked up ready to argue but she saw the expression on her son's face and shut her mouth. Picking up the knife, she started.

George looked across at his wife and winked.

When Connie came home, she made the mince pies, and the family listened to carols being played on the radio whilst George decorated the tree. Dorothy thought she'd never remembered a more delightful Christmas Eve, and after a glass or two of sherry, even Madge appeared in a better frame of mind.

Kay was trying to keep her daughter, Susan, from becoming overexcited about Father Christmas arriving with his gifts. They carefully placed a mince pie, a glass of sherry and some carrots in the fireplace, all ready for the visitor.

‘Put them further to the side, Mummy, or Father Christmas will knock the glass over when he comes down the chimney!' Susan demanded.

‘How silly of me,' Kay said, hiding a smile. She loved Christmas, but now that Susan was four, the magic of childhood and the festive season was such a joy and something to be cherished. She wondered where John was spending his time and was sad for a moment that this year was no longer one as a family unit. In the past the one thing he did hold sacrosanct was Christmas, when – she had to admit – he took his place as a father with great enthusiasm. But she was determined not to let it spoil the holiday.

At that moment there was a ring on the front doorbell. Kay rose to her feet and opened it. To her great surprise a young woman stood there with an enormous bouquet of flowers.

‘Mrs Baker?'

‘Yes.'

‘These are for you, Madam. Merry Christmas!'

Kay walked into her sitting room and, taking the small envelope from the centre, opened it.

Merry Christmas Kay! Thank you for making my evening so very enjoyable at the Polygon Hotel. I hope to see you again in the near future. Regards, Edward.

She sat down and reread the card then looked at the flowers. There was a mixture of bronze, lemon and red flowers, some seasonal and some not, and she knew they must have cost a small fortune. She couldn't stop smiling. The doorbell rang again.

John stood there, arms full of gifts, looking somewhat uneasy.

‘Daddy!' Susan ran to the door.

‘You'd better come in,' said Kay.

The next two hours she watched John play with her daughter, thinking how it all could have been so different, had he not been a ladies' man.

He tried to flatter her, but Kay ignored the signals, and then he saw the flowers.

‘How beautiful,' he remarked and walked over to them. He picked up the card and read it. ‘You haven't wasted any time!' he snapped.

‘He's just a business colleague,' she said and felt pleased he was about to leave.

When he'd gone, she picked up the flowers and arranged them in a vase. Well, what a surprise, she thought as she did so. But she was secretly thrilled that the mysterious Edward wanted to see her again. It did a great deal to boost her ego.

Jake Barton sat in his living room, a bottle of whiskey, some ginger ale, a pork pie and a jar of pickled onions on the table. He wasn't bothered about Christmas, it was for families and sentiment, neither of which had any part in his life. Nevertheless, he was feeling pleased with himself. This year had been a mixed one for him, but in the end had turned out very well, thank you very much, he thought as he felt the liquid warm his throat as he drank. Next year promised to be even better – he could hardly wait!